Job Title: Production Lead
Location: On-Site in Windber, PA
Type: First-Shift, Non-Exempt Full-Time
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
About Us
For over 40 years, Kitron Group has been leading the way in manufacturing and assembly of electronics for daily use around the world. Our focus on the values of Commitment, Innovation, and Engagement has enabled us to become a leading global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company. Our U.S.-based facility, Kitron Technologies, is continuing to expand and add to our team.
Why Work for Us?
At Kitron, we have a team of highly-skilled and trained colleagues. Working for us means you get access to ongoing learning and development opportunities, as well as our industry-leading benefits offerings, such as:
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)
- Company-paid life insurance, short term disability, and long term disability
- 401(k) with company match
- 9/80 work schedule
- Additional voluntary benefits
Hear from a Kitron Employee
Check out the link below to learn directly from one of Kitron's tenured employees about her experience working for the company.
Hint: She talks directly to candidates near the end of the video! Click here or copy and paste into your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APZBCNRYpKg
About the Role
The Production Lead supports daily manufacturing operations by coordinating workflow, ensuring production readiness, and serving as the primary resource for troubleshooting, quality checks, and communication across shifts and teams. This role does not have formal people-management responsibilities, but it does guide day-to-day activities, support operators, escalate issues, and help maintain a smooth, safe, and on-time production environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/FUNCTIONS
Production Coordination & Workflow Support
- Organize and prioritize work orders based on schedule, material availability, and production targets.
- Ensure operators have the correct documentation, tools, materials, and fixtures before beginning jobs.
- Monitor line progress throughout the shift and adjust workflow to maintain throughput.
- Support changeovers to minimize downtime and ensure accuracy.
- Serve as the go-to resource for questions related to work instructions, processes, and production documentation.
Quality & Process Support
- Perform in-process inspections, basic measurements, and first-piece verifications in accordance with customer and company requirements.
- Identify defects, escalate quality concerns, and support containment activities as needed.
- Ensure adherence to work instructions, SOPs, ESD procedures, and IPC/ISO standards.
- Assist with nonconformance documentation, corrective actions, and continuous improvement efforts.
Technical & Equipment Support
- Perform basic equipment checks, start-up/shut-down procedures, and routine preventative tasks (as trained).
- Troubleshoot minor equipment or process issues and escalate complex problems to Engineering or Maintenance.
- Verify material accuracy and support resolution of shortages or discrepancies.
Training & Operator Support
- Provide on-the-job guidance to new and existing operators to reinforce proper techniques and quality standards.
- Support cross-training efforts and help maintain skill matrices (without handling performance management).
- Share process knowledge to help strengthen team capability and consistency.
Communication & Documentation
- Communicate production updates, issues, and priorities to supervisors, operators, engineering, and quality teams.
- Complete required logs, checklists, and basic reports in a timely and accurate manner.
- Participate in production meetings and contribute to problem-solving discussions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- 2–4 years of experience in electronics manufacturing (SMT, PCB assembly, or similar environment).
- Prior experience as an operator, inspector, or technician preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong understanding of EMS processes such as SMT, hand assembly, test, and inspection.
- Ability to read and interpret work instructions, prints, and bills of materials.
- Solid troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to guide others without direct authority.
- High attention to detail with a focus on quality and accuracy.
- Ability to multitask and adjust priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
- Basic computer skills (ERP/MRP systems, MES, email, production logs).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Typical working conditions at Kitron are indoors, safe, well lit, temperature controlled, low exposure to noxious fumes or offensive odors, clean and sanitary conditions with average light industrial noise. Production areas have machinery with moving parts. Static dissipative smock, and shoes are required. Offices with locking doors, meeting rooms, and common printing areas are well lit, clean, low noise, and temperature controlled with no exposure to noxious fumes or offensive odors.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to stand for extended periods and move throughout the production area.
- Regularly lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
- Perform repetitive motions, including bending, reaching, and fine motor tasks.
- Work in an ESD-controlled manufacturing environment with exposure to solder, chemicals, and small components.
- Wear required PPE (safety glasses, ESD gear, etc.).
